The summer gives us a chance to relax a bit and enjoy God’s creation. With fewer church meetings during August, and possibilities of time off work, we can take the chance to rest and restore. For us as a family August works well for this, having two school-aged children. Before we had kids we used to holiday in June or October.
This summer we went once again to the New Wine summer conference in Shepton Mallet. We had a brilliant time this year – the weather was very kind! This year more people came from NBC than last year, and we had a good opportunity to get to know one another better.
Some of the group were working (helping with kids’ work), but you only have to ask them if they enjoyed New Wine and their faces light up! Indeed, one of the group that wasn’t working this year is keen to work next year!
We had great teaching from a whole variety of different speakers – I was particularly encouraged and challenged listening to Henry Orombi, the Anglican Archbishop of Uganda. We had lots of opportunities to receive prayer, and indeed one of the group experienced God’s healing during a ministry time, and continuing after. We’ll be having a meeting later in the Autumn for anyone who’s interested in going to New Wine next year.
At the end of August we spent two weeks in the Loire Valley region of France, near Saumur. It was very relaxing, most of us managing to swim, cycle and climb trees (guess who wussed out on the high wire climbing!) We also managed a few visits to Chateaux and vineyards (not just new wine, this time!)
One thing that God was reminding me at New Wine and, indeed, during devotional time on holiday was that God has created me to be me, not somebody else. It is when I am not trying to be somebody else that God is most able to use for his purposes and for his glory.
This is something that each of us needs to remember. God has created each one of us uniquely. He has given us gifts and experiences, strengths and weaknesses that no-one else in the world has. He calls us to use those gifts and experiences in the place that he has put us, at the time he has chosen. He is able to use each one of us to further his kingdom if we remain open to his voice and the working of his Spirit.
This is Augustine’s prayer to the Holy Spirit, which you might want to make your own:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I always may be holy. Amen.
that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I always may be holy. Amen.
